It Takes Time
When I was younger,
I used to think that I was overweight
Because my parents would say
"You should lose that tummy of yours."
I'm sure they meant well.
My biggest influence didn't come
From magazines or movies
It came from them.
I haven't worn a bikini in years
Even though I look damn fine now.
It took me years to learn how beautiful I was
And I still struggle
When people depend on me,
Want to be my friend
Or even say that I sing well
Because of my mom mentioning,
Offhand,
Several years ago
That my sister could sing better than me.
My hair got perfect Sophomore year
The stylist finished cutting my hair short
And my first thought when I saw myself in the mirror
Was that I looked like a song.
A song.
With braces off,
I ran my tongue over my smooth teeth
And smiled a beautiful smile
That I haven't let go of since.
I don't think I'll ever be famous
Even though that thought would have killed me
Only a few years ago.
It took me time to learn
That as long as you're happy,
It doesn't matter if you're rich
You can have wealth in yourself
And knowing that you are someone
To be loved.